MP safety bid after latest crash on A38

BURTON’S MP has urged highways bosses to put in place additional safety measures across the entire section of the A38 – after a recent crash saw 10 vehicles damaged and motorists stuck in traffic for hours.

Andrew Griffiths called on the Highways Agency to investigate putting in place a lower speed limit along more sections of the carriageway, only months after winning a campaign to get similar measures installed between Branston and Barton under Needwood.

He spoke out after 10 vehicles were involved in three separate smashes in less than an hour on the A38, closing part of the road for more than three hours between Fradley and Alrewas.

Mr Griffiths told the Mail: “As someone who was caught up in the traffic jam yesterday for around two hours, I completely understand the impact these accidents caused for so many people in the area.

“I think this shows how right we were to put in place safety measures on sections of the A38 earlier this year.

“I now hope that bosses at the Highways Agency will consider looking at putting similar safety measures in place on a wider section of the road across the area.

“This will only help improve safety for the thousands of people that regularly use the road.”

The changes put in place last month included a 60mph speed limit and the closure of controversial gaps in the central reservation.

They came about following the death of two sisters on the road in 2012.

Mr Griffiths spoke out as one of many motorists stuck in long tailbacks following a trio of early morning smashes on the southbound carriageway.

Two people had to be taken to hospital for treatment, one having to be cut free from his car, and the problems continued for more than three hours as a result of the incidents.